Lubbock officials have issued a public health advisory due to an increase in shigellosis with more than 100 cases reported this year.
The Lubbock Health Department says the number of cases increased in recent months following an outbreak that began last September.
Experts say 110 cases of shigellosis were reported between January and April. No cases were reported during the comparable 2015 period.
Tuesday's public health advisory says shigellosis is a diarrheal illness that can last a week. Fever, vomiting and stomach cramps may occur. Once exposed, symptoms usually develop within three days.
Shigellosis can be spread through unwashed hands of an infected person.
Those who get sick should contact a physician and not go to work, school or day care until they're free of symptoms for 24 hours.
